“The Lady Bourbon” Has Quite A Kick
“The Lady Bourbon” Has Quite A Kick
More Than 100 Proof in Eastern Kentucky
Well, if you will recall, we hit the Bourbon Trail late this week, having to scramble around at the last minute to do true justice to 10 lovely ladies competing in “The Lady Bourbon”, a Grade III Stakes race 8 furlongs on the fast dirt for fillies and mares 3 years old. The weather here in Eastern Kentucky was brilliant this weekend, warming up nicely for the day’s racing, although it was still a bit cold when the sun went down. We thought this one would be a real barn burner, and these ladies did not disappoint us. What with “The Lady Bourbon” being the 3rd of 4 stakes races on the card, which also featured the Grade II “The Land’s End” Stakes, and it being K Chesterman Bobble Head day, there was fun to be had for the whole family on Saturday. Even yours truly managed to survive the late nights and overconsumption of beverages (well, it IS the BOURBON trail, after all….) to fully enjoy the day’s racing. Well, it was, as I mentioned before, a real barn burner, so without further ado, let’s get to the race.
At the break, Turn To Stone (KY) and Supersymmetry (KY) began an early speed duel that would last most of the race. Behind them were Buster’s Upset Special Brewtal Hit (KY) and Ex Warrior (KY) with Diabolu’s Paciscor (KY) right behind them along the rail. Behind them was Quick Take (KY) in the middle of the track. Poison Arrow (KY), Adoring Public (AUS), Dig Up (KY), and The Shakes (KY) went to the back of the pack, and settled in to await the outcome of the early speed duel. Supersymmetry and Turn To Stone traded the lead a few times, and Diabolu’s Paciscor moved ahead of Ex Warrior as we approached the midway point of the race.
At 4 furlongs, Turn To Stone took the lead as Supersymmetry and Brewtal Hit began to fall back. Also, Poison Arrow started her run from the back, drawing Adoring Public along with her. By 5.5 furlongs, Diabolu’s Paciscor had moved past Brewtal Hit to move up into second, but as they approached the stretch, Poison Arrow was charging hard. By midway down the stretch, Poison Arrow had tracked down Diabolu’s Paciscor and had her sights set on the leader, with Adoring Public approximately 3 lengths behind her and closing. However, Poison Arrow was destined to come up short today, as the wire came up faster than she did, and Turn To Stone crossed the finish line in first place, turning in a time of 1:35 even for the mile on turf. Poison Arrow finished 1 length behind, in second, followed by Diabolu’s Paciscor, who held off Adoring Public to finish third.
The crowd showed their appreciation for a good hard fought win, as they stood and cheered for Turn To Stone as she made her way to the Winner’s Circle, where her owner Checkmate2 proudly waited. We got a quick word with jockey R Zamora as they headed to the Circle. “Checkmate2 told me she was the best speed in the field, and advised we go out fast. I thought if we could set the pace, and survive the challenge by Supersymmetry, she would have a good chance to hold off the rest of the field. It just worked out that way, what can I say, this little filly is a real trooper. She did everything I asked and more.”. Checkmate2 had this to add “She never really fired in her last race, and it seemed to be more of a workout for her, so we took a chance and brought her back quickly for this one.”. Indeed, a chance that paid off today with Turn To Stone getting her first Graded Stakes win. Congratulations to Turn To Stone and Checkmate2 for bringing home “The Lady Bourbon”. Let’s see what Buster had to say about the winners in his preview:
Turn To Stone (KY): This mare has earned almost 100K for her stable, Checkmate2, and has finished on the board in 5 of her 6 lifetime races, the only exception being last race, where she proved that she did NOT like the off track. Fortunately, that will not be a concern for her today. She already has a win here in 2009, celebrating the new year with a win going away at the allowance level, however, she does not yet have a win at the Stakes level, so we will see if she is up for the challenge today. She is the first real rabbit we have seen in the race so far, so it looks like she will be setting the pace for today’s race.
Poison Arrow (KY): This little lady has 4 wins in just 8 starts for her stable Kevoman5, and 7 of these starts have been Stakes races. She has competed at the Graded level twice before, but has won neither of those outings. Despite that, she has brought home nearly 150K, and her last outing was a dominating win where she posted her best Beyer ever at “The Stormy Project Stakes”. She really looks to be the class of this race, although there is a tight group of horses in this race, and she will need to continue the form she showed last race to win here. Look for her to stalk the pace and make a run down the stretch.
Diabolu’s Paciscor (KY): Diabolu’s Paciscor is her first foal, and has earned over 200K in just 6 races! As a matter of fact, Diabolu’s Paciscor has never finished worse than second in ANY race. This gal knows how to be there in the mix at the finish. She is also coming off a win in the Grade II “Los Vinegrette Stakes”, so this is actually a drop in class for her. Look for her to hang back at the beginning, saving her best for the stretch run.
Well, that’s it for Eastern Kentucky. I hope y’all enjoyed the racing here today, and for those of you keeping score, Buster is now 1-4 in 2009 for his Upset Special, a dismal start to the year, but there is always hope it might get better. Congratulations again to all the winners and owners that helped make “The Lady Bourbon”, a Grade III Stakes race 8 furlongs on the fast dirt for fillies and mares 3 years old, such a special race. We’ll be seeing all of you again in week 3903, and until then, take care of yourselves, and be safe.